Industry News
Gorman Group Announces CEO Succession
Ashlee Cribb
The owners of West Kelowna, BC-based, Gorman Group recently announced that Ashlee Cribb has joined Gorman Group and will assume the role of chief executive officer on July 1, 2026, following a three-month transition period working closely with previous CEO Nick Arkle.
“Cribb will also work closely with communities, government and Indigenous partners as the Gorman Group continues to build on the strong relationships that are central to the company’s long- term success,” shared a Gorman Group representative.
Nick Arkle
At the request of the owners, Arkle will move to non-executive chair of the board.
The Shareholders of the Gorman Group include the following: Esther Scott, Mary Tracey, Marj Wiens, Louise Arkle, Ron Gorman and Carol Gorman’s Trust.
The Gorman Group is a family-owned company celebrating its 75th year of operations.
“With multiple divisions in Southern British Columbia and one in Washington State, it is committed to producing high-value products sold into specialty markets throughout the world. The company engages with local communities, Indigenous partners, and governments as part of its long-standing commitment to responsible forest management and regional economic development. It is a major employer in each of the communities in which it operates,” added a company representative.
Visit gormanbros.com for more information.
Patrick Lumber Company Appointments
Natalie Heacock
Patrick Lumber Company (PLC), a Pacific Northwest-based lumber wholesaler and specialty wood supplier, recently announced a series of leadership promotions and industry appointments. “These promotions reflect PLC’s commitment to growing talent from within and strengthening its role in the forest products sector,” according to Natalie Heacock, PLC president and CFO.
Chelsea Zuccato
Chelsea Zuccato was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing, where she now leads PLC’s trading team and marketing communications. She was also recently appointed to the North American Wholesale Lumber Association board of directors, further accentuating her leadership in the industry.
John Quast
John Quast, PLC’s president of export, has been elected president of the Portland Lumber Exporters Association. His appointment further solidifies PLC’s leadership presence in the lumber export community and highlights his commitment to expanding international connections and mentoring the next generation of traders.
Lena Jacobson
Lena Jacobson has been promoted to controller, overseeing PLC’s financial operations and accounting strategy. In her new role, Jacobson will focus on improving the company’s financial processes and supporting long-term stability.
Founded in 1915, Patrick Lumber Company is a leading manufacturer and global supplier of specialty softwood and hardwood products headquartered in Philomath, OR.
For more information, visit patlbr.com.
Aki Yuan Joins Disdero Lumber Company’s Lock-Deck Department
Aki Yuan
Aki Yuan is the newest Lock-Deck assistant at Disdero Lumber Company in Clackamas, OR.
As a Lock-Deck assistant, Yuan is involved in sales, quoting, inventory management and administration.
Disdero manufactures Lock-Deck, timbers, siding and specialty orders.
While he has been with Disdero for a year, his movement to Lock-Deck is recent. Working at Disdero was his first taste of the forest products industry. Prior to his employment at Disdero, he was the owner of Circle Visions.
He graduated from Berkeley High School in 2007 and majored in Cinema Studies with a Minor in Business Administration from 2007 to 2012 at the University of Oregon.
His hobbies include wood working, backpacking / bikepacking, watching movies, films and photography.
He and his wife Anna have a newborn daughter, Miya.
Call 503-607-2476 or visit disdero.com for more details.
Humboldt Sawmill Company’s Mobile Showroom
Humboldt Sawmill Company’s New Mobile Showroom
Humboldt Sawmill Company, located in Scotia, CA, recently invested in a new Mobile Showroom to showcase its expanding line of Redwood products such as different patterns for siding and trim. Housed in a converted Mercedes Sprinter Van, the Mobile Showroom has been outfitted with Humboldt Sawmill Redwood pattern stock, a small pergola display, mock hot tub, TV and even a refrigerator and cabinetry.
The van is wrapped in Redwood centric graphics, inviting viewers to learn more and contact Humboldt Sawmill Company sales staff.
Humboldt Sawmill Company staff will be taking the Mobile Showroom to customer and industry events and meetings. To learn more about Humboldt Sawmill Company or to book the Mobile Showroom for an event in California or Nevada, contact marketing@mendoco.com.
According to the company’s website, Humboldt Sawmill Company LLC was founded in 2008. The sawmill company manufactures the following in Redwood and Douglas Fir: timbers, lumber, decking, and uppers. These products are certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C013133).
Visit getredwood.com for more details.
Comact Completes Acquisition Of Oleson Saw Technology
Mirabel, QC-headquartered, Comact recently announced the completion of its acquisition of Oleson Saw Technology, a leader in wide bandsaw blade manufacturing.
Based in York, PA, Oleson Saw Technology has built a reputation for supporting sawmills across North America with wide bandsaw blades and filing room equipment. Oleson will continue operating from its existing York facility, ensuring continuity for customers and employees. As part of the transaction, Comact reaffirms its commitment to supporting Oleson’s continued distribution of Swiss-made ISELI filing room equipment for bandsaws and circular saws.
“Oleson Saw Technology has been built on a strong commitment to its employees, its customers and delivering high-quality bandsaw blades to the industry,” said Mary Chairs, president of York Saw & Knife Company Inc. and Oleson Saw Technology.
“This acquisition represents an important step in strengthening our cutting and saw technology portfolio,” said Adam Infanti, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Comact. “Oleson’s expertise in wide bandsaw blades and its strong market reputation complement our existing capabilities and strengthen our position in cutting solutions.”
As part of this transition, Oleson Saw Technology will introduce an updated visual identity aligned with Comact’s branding, along with a new website at olesonsaw.com.
For over 100 years, Comact has been a leading OEM in high-caliber wood processing equipment, digital technologies, cutting solutions, project services and aftermarket support. “Driven by innovation and excellence, we are dedicated to helping our customers address their most pressing operational and business challenges in today’s industry,” shared a Comact company representative.
“Whether for brownfield or greenfield projects, Comact’s expertise provides wood processing facilities with the confidence that their investments will yield superior performance, throughput and ROI. This ensures they remain competitive and achieve sustained growth in an ever-evolving market. Trust Comact to deliver exceptional performance every time,” added the representative.
For more information, visit comact.com.
Jartek’s Installation At Western Forest Products
Jeroen Hinnen
Jartek, headquartered in Lahti, Finland, recently signed an agreement to supply a thermal modification kiln to Vancouver, BC-based, Western Forest Products. The installation of the kiln was expected in May.
The kiln will support Western Forest Products’ plans to expand its thermally modified wood offering, with a strong focus on consistent product quality and efficient production. The solution delivered by Jartek is specifically designed to meet Western Forest Products’ production requirements.
Jeroen Hinnen, sales manager for North America at Jartek, highlighted the importance of the project for the company. “This project is particularly exciting for us at Jartek, as it represents one of our first thermal modification projects in this region,” said Hinnen. “Partnering with Western Forest Products allows us to demonstrate how our customizable technology can support local market needs and long-term production goals.”
The project also aligns closely with Western Forest Products’ five-year vision to expand manufacturing capacity, improve fiber utilization and add value to lower-grade materials — while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships to grow domestic demand.
Jartek’s thermal modification technology is designed to deliver flexibility, precise process control and long-term reliability. This project reflects Jartek’s continued focus on providing customized solutions that meet the evolving needs of companies looking to enter or expand within the wood thermal modification market.
Visit jartek.com for more details.
SII Dry Kilns Announces Trevor Vaughan As Sales Representative
Dan Matthews
SII Dry Kilns, a leading manufacturer in the kiln industry, recently announced the addition of Trevor Vaughan to its sales team as a sales representative. “This expansion reflects the company’s continued growth and its commitment to providing even greater support and responsiveness to customers throughout the United States,” noted SII Dry Kilns Chairman Dan Mathews.
Vaughan brings 30 years of experience in the hardwood lumber industry. In his new role, he will work alongside SII’s existing Southeast sales team to support sales and represent Italy’s WDE Maspell thermally modified units across the U.S. market.
Trevor Vaughan
“As demand continues to grow, expanding our team allows us to maintain the personalized service and high-quality support our customers expect,” said Mathews.
“This appointment reinforces SII’s ongoing commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and delivering reliable, high quality solutions to clients across the U.S. and beyond,” Matthews.
SII Dry Kilns is a leading provider of dry kilns and associated products for the lumber, firewood and pallet industries. “Based in Lexington, NC, the company is known for its high quality equipment, innovative engineering, and exceptional customer service. SII is a trusted partner for businesses across the United States seeking dependable and efficient drying solutions,” noted Matthews.
For more information, visit siidrykilns.com.
